Marmion Tower — A Medieval Gateway in Yorkshire

A Surviving Fragment of a Lost Manor

Standing proudly in the peaceful village of West Tanfield, near Ripon, Marmion Tower is all that remains of a once-grand medieval manor house.

Built in the 15th century, this three-storey gatehouse was the entrance to the fortified home of the Marmion family, Norman lords who served the English crown for generations.

Today, it’s cared for by English Heritage and remains a beautiful reminder of Yorkshire’s noble past.

A Story of Nobility and Legacy

The Marmions were a powerful family with roots stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Their West Tanfield estate became a symbol of their wealth and status, overlooking the River Ure in the heart of Wensleydale.

After the Marmions, the property passed by marriage to the FitzHugh and later the Parr families — the latter connected to Queen Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII.

Though the main manor was lost after the 16th century, the gatehouse endured, preserving exquisite details of medieval craftsmanship.

Exploring Marmion Tower
1. The Architecture

The tower’s design combines defensive strength with decorative flair. A vaulted passage once allowed entry to the manor courtyard, while stone staircases lead to the upper chambers.
In addition, the great chamber on the first floor features a beautifully carved oriel window, offering views over the River Ure.

2. The Interior Details

Inside, you can still see the garderobe (medieval toilet), fireplaces, and window seats — small but fascinating insights into daily life in the late Middle Ages.
Therefore, even as a ruin, Marmion Tower feels alive with history and imagination.

3. The Setting

Set beside St Nicholas Church, the tower sits in tranquil surroundings ideal for a short heritage walk or riverside picnic. It’s an easy, rewarding stop on any North Yorkshire itinerary.

Learn more at the English Heritage page

Visiting Marmion Tower
How to Get There

By Car: West Tanfield, near Ripon HG4 5JH. Free roadside parking nearby.

By Train: Nearest station: Thirsk (25-minute drive).

By Bus: Regular routes from Ripon and Masham to West Tanfield.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, year-round. Entry is free.

Facilities

Information boards on site

Riverside paths and picnic area

Pubs and cafés in West Tanfield village

Public toilets nearby

Nearby Attractions

Ripon Cathedral: Yorkshire’s oldest cathedral, just a short drive away.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Middleham Castle: Childhood home of King Richard III.

Jervaulx Abbey: Peaceful monastic ruins in nearby Wensleydale.

Together, they create a fascinating North Yorkshire heritage trail.

Why Visit Marmion Tower?

Though modest in scale, Marmion Tower offers a powerful sense of connection to Yorkshire’s medieval past. Its stone walls whisper stories of noble families, royal ties, and centuries of change along the River Ure.

Whether you’re exploring by car or on foot, this little gem rewards every visit with history, beauty, and atmosphere.